Diamond in the Rough is the third book in The Brides of St. Ives series by Jane Goodger. Although it's part of a series it can easily be read as a standalone novel.

Nathanial Emory the new Baron Alford desperately needs a large influx of money in order to restore his family home and those of the estate's tenants. On his deathbed, his grandfather told him of a rare blue diamond that he buried in a garden in St Ives. Before he could give him the exact location he died. That takes Nathanial to the home and garden of Clara Anderson.

Clara is the daughter of parents who worked their way up in the world. The only thing that will make her mother happy is to have Clara and her two sisters marry into the aristocracy. That is the very last thing that Clara wants for herself because she has a very low opinion of them.

When Clara meets Nathaniel it isn't as Baron Alford, but just Nathanial Emory, the gardener that their mother hired. What a perfect cover for him, a chance to dig up the whole garden and hopefully find the diamond. Clara loves gardens and takes an interest in what he is planting and in him! The more time they spend together the more they start to have feelings for each other. Clara believes that as he is the gardener her mother will never allow them to have any relationship together. Nathaniel can't let his emotions show until he can be honest with Clara about who he is. That can't happen until he finds the diamond which seems to be taking longer and longer. In the meantime how can they keep their hands off each other when all they want to do is give in to their passions?

I loved this story especially as there was the perfect balance of light and dark moments. Those light moments always put a huge smile on my face. One of my absolute favourite parts of the book was the perfect ending, I cried, but they were happy joyous tears. There was only one part of the book that bothered me was the story behind the private investigator that is looking for Nathanial. That part just seemed superfluous to the story. It was perfect and exciting enough without it. I enjoyed this book so much that I am definitely going to make sure I read the others in the series.

Nathaniel Emory sees his grandfather who tells him a story of a huge blue diamond he found in Brazil. His grandfather takes the diamond back to England and hides the diamond in St Ives. He then tasks Nathaniel to find the diamond to restore the estate and Nathaniel to his rightful place as Baron before he dies. Nathaniel goes to St Ives supposedly undercover to work as a gardener for the Anderson’s. When Nathaniel meets Clara the eldest daughter a tentative unlikely friendship forms between the two. Clara tells Nathaniel everything especially her disdain for the ton and higher society because of how they treat her. Clara will do anything to marry Nathaniel even though he is supposedly beneath her. Clara does not know that Nathaniel is part of the society she hates so much. Nathaniel is scared that not only will he not find the diamond but Clara will find out the truth of who he really is when he wants nothing more to be with her.
This a really unique Regency story of hidden identities, secrecy, deception and a wonderful romance story all rolled into one! There just aren’t that many of lords playing at being a commoner and just the problems of trying to hide who they really are especially when love gets thrown into the mix. The story moves fluidly and the writing moves smoothly. Yes the characters make mistakes which make them more human. Nathaniel the horrible gardener looking for an elusive diamond makes him seem a little selfish and caring only about money does not inspire you to like him until he starts to show some feelings and acts like he cares for others. Sure he should of adopted an alias and maybe even told Clara the truth instead of hiding who he actually is still he manages to be likeable. Clara the feisty obstinate heroine is truly a breath of fresh air. She treats everyone equally even though everyone in the book including Nathaniel treats her so bad. In a sense it almost makes you wish Clara would just run away and find the place she dreams of living her life happily away from everyone. The book still is a lot of fun and well worth the read!

I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. So this is book three in the Brides of St. Ives series. I almost didn't read this when I realized it occurs almost simultaneously with book 2. I just hate having to reread about events. However, the author did do a good job making sure that the story stood on its own. Clara is the beautiful daughter and her mom is obsessed with making a match with Nobility;. The only problem is that they are not and it is a very hard world to join. I did enjoy the read but at times it seemed the story dragged a little bit. Overall, just an okay read.

I have really enjoyed previous books from this author but haven’t read her work more recently so was a little skeptical about this book. I had liked the synopsis so thought to give this book a try. It has a plot of hidden identities, love and betrayal to find a lost treasure. I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet and sexy romance in between Clara and Nathaniel. The part I really didn't understand and thought was abrupt was the story of the private investigator hired to find Nathaniel. There was no connection in between that character, his background and the whole story. This is the third book in the series but as I didn't read any of the other books prior to this one, I say it can be read as a standalone. I didn't feel like I was missing out on anything although I am curious about Clara's sister's story and want to go back and read her book which is the second book in this series.

* I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review*

Book 3 of this series. Although not necessary, I would recommend that you read the 2nd book in this series, as they take place simultaneously.
Book 2 was about Harriet and the Earl, a story I loved, so different. Book 3 is about her sister, Clara and Nathaniel, Baron Alford.
This book had so much potential. I liked Nathaniel's character right from the beginning. He cared for his grandfather and was very upset to find the condition the Estate had let go to.
Clara did whatever was necessary to please her mother. Even letting old men court her, so they may get a title in the family.
But this book went off track a little. Too many story lines coming out of nowhere. All of a sudden, her sister, who was totally opposed to the aristocracy, was in love with an Earl and getting married.
Then there was the private investigator, who was looking for Nathaniel, who's own story becomes part of the book. Why, I don't understand.
Clara and Nathaniel's story in of itself, is quite cute and I enjoyed that.
Just too many other things going on.

I’ve never read anything from Jane Goodger, including the two books before this one in the Brides of St. Ives series, but the premise of this story intrigued me enough that I wanted to give it a try. It’s a twist on a romance between a hero and heroine of different stations, which happens to be one of my favorite tropes.

Nathaniel is an impoverished Baron who is in search of a rare diamond his grandfather buried in St. Ives. The old man told him the story of the gem on his deathbed, but passed away before he could give more than the name of the property it was hidden. So Nathaniel decides to go undercover as a gardener at the home, hoping to find the lost rock and use it to put his lands back to rights.

Clara is one of the daughters who lives there. Her family is wealthy, though far from nobility. It’s her mother’s greatest wish for Clara to marry into the peerage, but even with all their money, it’s not very realistic. Blue bloods are so very disdainful of the lower class. Still, Clara tries to please her mother, even if in her heart, she wants nothing less than to surround herself with snobs.

The new gardener is the first man she’s ever felt aflutter over. And Nathaniel isn’t immune to her either. She thinks they can’t be together because of his lower station, but he fears his barony will end up pushing her away. So it’s a forbidden romance, as he secretly toils to find the diamond buried underground.

The book was… ok. It was a quick and easy read, and the story was exactly as promised. I just didn’t feel the longing between these two characters I had hoped for. Their friendship developed easily, but I wanted more angst… more need… more want than I got. I understood why Nathaniel did what he did, but I felt like there was untapped potential in his character. I would have liked him gruffer, maybe. Maybe some stark need in his eyes would have gone a long way. As it was, the push and pull was gentle. I wanted them both to ache. Of course, that’s not everyone’s preference, just mine.

There is a little intrigue about the diamond and another man searching for it–even a small subplot about an investigator who was also trying to solve his own family’s murder. But it felt tacked on, and the resolution way too easy and underwhelming.

I think I feel that way about the romance and, really, the entire book. Not bad, but a bit easy and underwhelming. If you prefer your romance a little lower on the angst-dial, maybe it would be a bigger hit for you.

Rating: B-/C+

Publisher's Description:

In the charming seaside town of St. Ives, a buried secret could bring an unlikely pair together for a lifetime...

Clara Anderson's mother has one mission: to marry off her daughter to a titled gentleman. Unfortunately, though the Andersons have come up in the world, Clara is still the granddaughter of a pig farmer, which means no self-respecting aristocrat will marry her. That's just fine with Clara, who's grown to disdain the upper classes. So when she meets an attractive man even more common than she is, she decides it's time to forge her own path...

...Except that handsome, rugged Nathaniel Emory, Baron Alford, is no more a commoner than Clara is a blue-blood. He's appeared on the scene for one reason only: to save his family's estate from ruin by finding the exceedingly valuable blue diamond his grandfather buried in the Anderson's garden fifty years ago. To do that, he must pretend to be a gardener. He didn't count on the most beautiful girl he's ever seen getting in his way. But Clara has made no secret of her dislike for aristocrats. Which means that once she uncovers his ruse, he's certain she'll never see him again.

My Thoughts:

I just discovered this series and this author so although this is the third book it is the only one I have read.
It reads well as a standalone title, with engaging if sometimes exasperating characters. I just wanted Clara to tell Nathaniel that she suspected he was not what he seemed and for Nathaniel to tell everyone why he was there and being so secretive.
Will Nathaniel ever find this treasure that will save his home or will the dreaded enemy find it instead?
Clara and Nathaniel's story is a convoluted one. They need each other in ways they don't seem to realize.
I gave my first taste of this author's work 4 of 5 stars for storyline and character development. I just wanted to shake some sense into the Hero and Heroine of this story.
I received a complimentary Digital ARC of this book to read via NetGalley.
This in no way affected my opinion of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Diamond in the Rough (The Brides of St. Ives, #3)
by Jane Goodger

A buy and enjoy book. This book though part of a series can be read alone. I was not sure how to rate this one. The book had some ups and downs and some periods of being slow. However, with all of that, it still was an enjoyable read. Strong writing that holds your attention. A story line with characters with depth. Each part of this book was worth unwrapping and following. A story to just sit back and relax with. Though perhaps not up to her standard it was still a very enjoyable read. I was given this arc via NetGalley. All opinions expressed here are my own. Regards, Anna

Pretty good story! Absolutely loved reading it. Great characters, great storyline, and great read! I couldn't put this book down!

Diamond in the Rough by Jane Goodger is an historical romance. The book reminded me how catty people can be when asked to accept someone who is different. Clara Anderson is not a member of the ton, despite her mother’s ambitions to marry her off to a titled gentleman. Clara never seems to just fit in. Something her mother fails to understand, Clara is perfectly happy without going out on a marriage mart. She even seems to have developed a tendre for the gardener.

The Gardener is not what he seems. As a matter of fact, he is Nathaniel Emory, Baron Alford and is pretending to be the gardener while he searches for a hidden stone worth scads of money - money he needs desperately to save his land and people. So he digs and digs and with Clara’s help manages to put together a lovely garden.

Meanwhile, Nathaniel is not the only person looking for the diamond - or him for that matter. Things become quite complicated and while both Nathan and Clara are in love with each other, neither sees any viable option for them.

I enjoyed the story and how as the garden grew, their love grew. I like how Clara was willing to be hurt again and again to help make her mother’s dreams come true. Mostly I loved how Nathaniel woo Clare with plants and flowers. Diamond in the Rough by Jane Goodger was a good read.

This story was... interesting. In a lot of ways this was a good story. The characters were complex and the writing was strong. However, the story itself just doesn't live up to its potential.

To begin with there are several different story-lines happening all at once. You have Clara, being forced to hide her disdain for everyone "high born" as her mother is determined to see her marry a title. You have Nathaniel, whose title is in dire straights, his home in ruins, and the only thing that can save it is this mysterious blue diamond that is purported to be worth a fortune.

While these are the main characters and the story revolves mostly around them, we also get a brief glimpse at Clara's sister Harriet, who seemingly without warning, becomes engaged to an Earl (I understand she has her own story that runs concurrently with this one, but it was still a little odd the way we see things play out with this one. There was seemingly no explanation so for someone who isn't familiar with this series it was rather confusing).

However the most disappointing story-lines are the ones involving Mr. Belmont and Mr.King. The way these were resolved were anticlimactic at best, and boring at worst. I definitely expected more from both of these story-lines, especially considering how long Mr.King had searched for answers. I feel like his thread was cut short - there was so much left unanswered here, and no way to say for one hundred percent the person purported to be involved actually was - and if he was - no real reason why he did what he did.

Other than that, and to be fair, some if not most readers will be able to overlook these things as they will either already be familiar with Harriet's story, or they will be more concerned with the HEA that anything else falls to the side. And to be fair, I enjoyed the banter between Nathaniel and Clara, and watching them find love when everything seemed stacked against them. Their story is definitely the main focus (as it should be), and in that I was thoroughly entertained.

All things considered, I would read more from this author, and I do think this story will appeal not only to fans of this series, but those who enjoy an engaging historical romance.

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

I’ve liked the other books in this series, and really, I thought this would be charming, I’d looked forward to reading it. But, to be honest, it’s horribly boring and I didn’t care what happened to the couple. They just weren’t interesting . So sorry, I couldn’t care about them .

The second book about a pair of sisters in Jane Goodger’s Brides of St. Ives series, Diamond In The Rough is the love story of Clara Anderson, older sister of Harriet from The Earl Most Likely, which I also read and enjoyed. And while I enjoyed Harriet’s story, the ending didn’t quite work for me, so I was intrigued to see how Clara’s story played out.

Incidentally, this book takes place at the same time as most of the events in The Earl Most Likely. You definitely don’t have to have read the other book to enjoy this one.

Clara is one of those heroines who is practically perfect - beautiful, accomplished and wealthy - but despite that, she’s very easy to like because she isn’t happy. Her social-climbing mother is determined for Clara to marry well, so well in fact that no plain Mr could ever be considered. Only a title will do. But Clara has been exposed to too many aristocrats who are indolent at best, and thus far even if they might have considered her as a tin miner’s daughter, she wants none of them.

Nathaniel Emory, Baron Alford, is in St. Ives posing as a common gardener for one reason; to find the only thing which can save his ancestral home and estates from total ruination, a priceless blue diamond his grandfather buried in the garden of a house there. A house which now belongs to the Anderson family. Astute Clara, interested in gardening, is immediately aware he is not what he seems, but allows him to keep his secrets. An unlikely friendship evolves between the pair, and of course soon progresses into more.

The story of the blue diamond from Brazil was fascinating; I had no idea Brazil was the centre of the diamond trade at that time in history, and found myself looking the topic up to read more about it once I finished the book. Goodger has obviously done her research, and the book felt very legitimate for the Victorian era, with train travel slowly beginning to replace horses and the aspiring middle class mixing uncomfortably with the hereditary aristocracy.

Clara and Nathaniel’s romance was an absolute delight. Knowing Nathaniel’s story, and understanding his desperation, from the very beginning of the book meant I as the reader never grudged him his secrecy, even while I agonised over the angst his deception would surely cause once Clara discovered the truth. I was rooting all along for him to find the diamond and marry Clara. There are a fair number of trips and pitfalls along the way, of course, but I was utterly delighted with the ending of this one and I’m happy to give it five stars and say I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys well-written historical romance.

A story of searching for a diamond but finding much more in the long run! Nathaniel Emory, Baron Alford has inherited an estate that desperately needs funds to maintain. Going off a deathbed confession of his grandfather, he has to find a rare blue diamond that he had buried in a garden in St Ives. Acting as a simple gardner he ends up at the home of Clara Anderson working in their garden in hopes to find the treasure. Clara has no use for members of the peerage but her mother wants her to marry a titled man. As Clara spends time with Nate, they begin to have feelings for each other. But of course, nothing is as it appears!! What will happen when she finds out he is a Baron? Will Nate find the diamond before someone else does? A really enjoyable story in The Brides of St. Ives series!!

Secrets almost destroy Clara's HEA. Nathaniel was not what he seemed, but he was want Clara wanted. A friendship grew into more, but the secret kept it from becoming more. I loved Clara's willingness to make her mother happy no matter what she had to put up with, showing how much she could love. I smiled as Nathaniel's single-mindedness shifted focus as he got to know Clara. The ending seemed a bit rushed to wrap everything up but left no loose ends. The story was good, and it was nice to see some secondary characters find their happiness as well.

I received an ARC of this story through Netgalley, and this is my unsolicited review.

A rather charming historical romance lead by a strong interesting female lead. The story held potential even if the premise was a bit unbelievable. I highly doubt a lord of the realm could pretend to be a gardner, something he has zero experience with, and the lady not take notice. It felt a bit far fetched, especially for the female lead supposedly being learned.

That being said, it was a cute historical romance that was well written. The author has a an easy style and the story flowed smoothly. The characters felt fleshed out with motivations and in depth histories. The storyline was a bit predictable but the characters made it worthwhile.

Despite being unimpressive in a sea of historical novels, it was an enjoyable novel to warm the reader’s heart and create a pleasant distraction for a time.

Nathaniel Emory, age 25, has arrived at Lion’s Gate, his grandfather’s rundown estate and is shocked at its condition. His grandfather is ill and his butler, Mr. Barkley, has been caring for the man. Nathaniel truly loves his grandfather and has great memories of their time spent together when he was a young boy.

Jonathan Emory, Baron Alford, is now dying and wants to share a secret with Nathaniel. It appears that when he was a young man, he went to Brazil with a friend. They had heard diamonds were easy to find. The Baron found a huge blue diamond and brought it back to England. His friend said he should have the diamond cut and share the proceeds with him. The Baron refused. That’s when the friend said he wanted the entire diamond’s worth, not half of it and then beat and crippled the Baron. His grandfather buried the diamond in the garden of a home in St. Ives and now Nathaniel must find it.

Clara Anderson, 24, and her younger sister, Harriet, live with their parents in a nice home in St. Ives. Her father was a tin miner who struck it rich. Now, her mother is doing all she can to try and be accepted into the gentry so she can make aristocratic marriages for her daughters.

Their mother has just hired a gardener to plan and plant a lovely garden. Turns out, it’s Nathaniel, posing as a gardener, to allow him access to try and find the diamond buried there. Problem is, it’s three acres of land and his grandfather died before he could tell him exactly where he buried it, and he also learned that the gemstone is worth an enormous amount of money. As he is now Baron Alford, he needs the money to repair his estate.

Clara is intrigued by the gardener and is interested in assisting him with planning the garden. From his cultured speech, she knows he is more than a gardener and a handsome one at that. They soon spend a lot of time together in the garden. But when Nathaniel learns that the son of the man who crippled his father is after the diamond too, things become intense.

I enjoyed most of this book. The relationship between Nathaniel and Clara as their love built was sweet and romantic. But I did not care for the person Clara changed into toward the end of the story. In addition, I just don’t get the addition of the “twin murders.” Other than those two turn-offs, I found this book to have a good plot and great characters.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Nathaniel Emory, Baron Ashford has a problem, he has inherited a bankrupt estate and while his grandfather told him an amazing story of a falling out with his best friend, a near death experience and a blue diamond, he found and hid as a young man, a diamond that would solve all of Nathaniel's financial problems, he dies before he can relay the exact location. All Nathaniel knows is it is in a garden in St. Ives.


Clara Anderson is the beautiful daughter of common parents, her father is a self made man and her mother's greatest wish is for Clara to marry a titled man. Clara has no use for the nobility and would rather marry a plain mister. But even she knows that her parents would never allow her to marry the new gardener. Clara begins to spend more and more time in the garden and falls for Nathaniel. Nathaniel falls right back, but he has secrets and needs to find the diamond before he can contemplate any future with Clara.

When Mr. Belmont's son (the grandfather's former best friend) learns about the diamond, he hires an investigator to find Nathaniel and the diamond. Roger King has his own mystery to solve, his wife and twin daughters were murdered and he has yet to find their killer, but with the money he is making from Belmont, he will be able to afford to work on his own case, but first he has to find Nathaniel and the diamond.


This book had a lot of promise, but for me, it just didn't work. It seemed to drag for the first 80% of the book and then everything just wraps up too quickly and neatly to be enjoyable. There is a secondary romance involving her sister that plays out completely off page and seemed to come out of left field, the investigator's mystery was anticlimactic and Clara's anger seemed out of character. It wasn't a bad read and even thought it is part of a series it was I had no problems following the story, but it was just not what I was expecting based on the blurb.

*I am voluntarily reviewing an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*

Diamond in the Rough by Jane Goodger is book Three in The Brides of St. Ives series. This is the story of Clara Anderson and Nathaniel Emory, Baron Alford. I have read the previous book, but feel this can be a standalone book.
Clara's mother wants her to marry a title but Clara is happy to settle with just a regular gentlemen. So when Nathaniel pretends to be a gardener to try and find the jewels his grandfather supposedly buried in her family garden, she is attracted to him. But Nathaniel isn't who he is pretending to be and is a title Lord. How will things go down when his identity is found out?

Diamond in the Rough is a thoroughly enjoyable tale of a poor baron who masquerades as a gardener looking for the family fortune in the form of a blue diamond. He knows absolutely nothing about gardening or working with his hands. In order to be able to keep searching in the garden of a tin mine owner, he has to research gardening. The eldest daughter of the family, Clara, becomes quite smitten with the handsome gardener and so do the maids of the household. Our gardener is not just any gardener, he is Nathaniel Emory, Baron Alford.

As Clara decides to get to know Nathaniel better, she helps him design the garden as he continues to search for the missing family diamond. He, apparently, digs a lot of holes and really does not know how to improve the garden. He does have a book on gardening, which he and Clara use for the design while he learns.

Nathaniel is not the only one looking for the diamond. His grandfather’s former friend’s son has hired a private detective to assist in finding the missing baron so he can get the diamond. No one seems to know the baron, nor what he looks like. As a side story, the private detective is trying to solve his wife and daughters’ deaths. This secondary tale is not essential to the book, but in the end adds a bit of feel good to the story by the resolution.

Through out the book Clara provides details of how much she dislikes the aristocracy. So much so that Nathaniel becomes concerned about telling her that he is one of them. Clara has such a good heart and kindly does what ever her mother tells her to do and dresses how her mother wants her to dress, even when it embarrasses Clara herself. Clara just wants and hopes her mother will give up the dream of Clara and her sister Harriett marrying a peer.

This is a charming book in the St. Ives series and can be read as a stand alone. Ms. Goodger weaves a delightful, fairy-tale style romance. She does a really good job of letting Nathaniel grovel for lying to Clara – loved it!